History as a scholarly discipline is taught beginning in the first grade. Biography is the primary means of history instruction in the early grades. Students listen to and read lively historical literature, such as myths, legends, and true stories. United States history is emphasized, while a vital knowledge of other places and cultures is also taught. The history/geography curriculum is broad, encompassing the art, literature, philosophy, law, architecture, language, government, economics, and social life of various times, places and cultures. Through the study of history and geography, students acquire historical knowledge in depth and an appreciation of global heritage and traditions. Field trips are an essential part of the history curriculum.  

Geography is taught both as a separate subject and as an integrated topic in other disciplines, such as history, science, and foreign language.  Students learn not only the geography of their own community, region, state, and nation, but international geography as well.  A complete understanding of geography helps students participate in an ever-changing world.  Students study geographical regions, the human and physical processes that shape them, and the peoples who live in them.

The School establishes links with schools in other countries to enable students to compare their local environment with other regions.  Student assessment is based not only upon written work and projects, but also on individual contributions to class discussions, as well as demonstrated thinking skills and the ability to work cooperatively within the framework of the lessons studied.

Program Goals

• To provide a valuable foundation of knowledge of World History and Geography
• To develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills related to historical events and geographical concepts
• To identify and teach the major geographical regions and features of the world
• To promote an understanding of the relationships amongst climate, agriculture, land, history, and cultures around the world
• To foster intelligent analysis and comparison of past and present events
• To facilitate understanding of actions of individuals, communities, and governments throughout history

Program Curriculum
The topics for our History/Geography curriculum are selected from those suggested in The Core Knowledge Series designed by E. D. Hirsch.  The curriculum goals are met through a multi-sensory approach to learning.  The children are encouraged to use their own creative potential to develop projects and to become independent thinkers.

Grade 1
The first grade curriculum includes both World History and Geography and American History and Geography. The study of the world begins with the Ice Age progresses through early civilizations including Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. In addition students are given a brief overview of world religions. The study of American history begins with the hunters and nomads crossing the land bridge from Asia to North America. The study continues with a look at the Maya, Inca and Aztec civilizations. Focus then shifts to early exploration and settlement examining the Conquistadors, English settlers and the American thirteen colonies.

Grade 2
World History includes the study of India and ancient Greece. American history is studied, including the creation of the U.S. Constitution, the War of 1812, westward expansion, the Civil War, civil rights, immigration and citizenship.

Grade 3
Topics include the ancient civilizations of the Romans, the Vikings, and North Americans. Students also study the early explorations of North America and Colonial America before the Revolutionary War.

Grade 4
Topics include Europe in the Middle Ages, Islam and the holy wars, African kingdoms, and Chinese dynasties. American history is also studied with particular emphasis on the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the making of our constitutional government.